Top Santa Monica Nature Walks in 2026

Step into Santa Monica’s adventurous side on a 2-hour, 4-mile urban walk that takes you up secret stairways, through canyon paths, and into historic neighborhoods. Along the way, discover unusual coastal trees, striking homes from Craftsman to modern, and hear colorful stories of Hollywood icons and local history. This small-group urban adventure blends movement, discovery, and culture — the perfect way to see Santa Monica from a new perspective. Activity Level: Moderate, includes stair climbs and some elevation Bring: Comfortable walking shoes, sun protection, and water Age: Suitable for most guests ages 12+ The Garden Safari Urban adventure departs at 10:00 a.m. on Sundays.

No trip to sunny Los Angeles is complete without a visit to the Santa Monica Pier, and no visit to the Pier is complete without this self-guided audio walking tour! As you stroll along this bustling pier, you’ll dig deep into its history, from its humble origins to devastating storms and ambitious amusement parks. Spot the historic Santa Monica Pier Carousel and Pacific Park before making your way to the very end of the pier, offering unbeatable views of the ocean and Santa Monica Beach. After booking, check your email/text to download the separate Audio Tour Guide App by Action while connected to WiFi or mobile data. Enter the password, download the tour, and enjoy it offline. Follow the audio instructions and route from the designated starting point. New, Lifetime access, no expiry. Use it anytime, on any trip, as many times as you want.

Explore Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Los Angeles' famous beaches, and beyond on this all-day guided excursion starting from Anaheim or Los Angeles. After a convenient hotel pickup, head out with a knowledgeable guide and experience classic sites and neighborhoods like the Hollywood Sign and the Walk of Fame, Griffith Observatory, Rodeo Dr., Venice Beach, and Santa Monica Pier.

Hit the road with this Central California self-guided driving and walking tour bundle! Cruise along the stunning Pacific Coast Highway, take in the views of 17 Mile Drive and Big Sur, and explore the Yosemite Valley Floor’s grandeur. Immerse yourself in the towering giants of Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Park and uncover the charm of San Luis Obispo. This bundle gives you the ultimate California experience, all at your own pace! Purchase one tour per car, not per person. Everyone listens together! After booking, you can check your email before downloading the Tour Guide App by Action, entering your unique password, and accessing your tour. The preceding steps require good internet/Wi-Fi access. Simply follow the audio instructions and the route from there. New, Lifetime access, no expiry. Use it anytime, on any trip, as many times as you want. This is not an entrance ticket to attractions along the route. Check opening hours before your visit.

Set out with locals on a small-group urban expedition through Santa Monica’s hidden gardens, scenic canyons, and historic neighborhoods. Along the walk, you’ll see rare coastal trees, colorful gardens, and homes that tell the city’s story—from early Craftsman cottages to bold modern architecture. Learn how preservation, creativity, and community spirit shaped this seaside town’s most beautiful neighborhoods. This relaxed yet enriching walk blends nature, design, and history into an experience that reveals a Santa Monica most visitors never see. Activity Level: Easy to moderate — steady walking on mostly flat streets Bring: Comfortable walking shoes, sun protection, and water Age: Suitable for most guests ages 12+ The Garden Safari expedition departs on Fridays at 2:00 p.m. and 10:00 a.m. on Saturdays. There are no restroom stops during the tour. However there are restrooms at the conclusion of the tour.

Set out with locals on a small-group urban expedition through Santa Monica’s hidden gardens, scenic canyons, and historic neighborhoods. Along the walk, you’ll see rare coastal trees, colorful gardens, and homes that tell the city’s story—from early Craftsman cottages to bold modern architecture. Learn how preservation, creativity, and community spirit shaped this seaside town’s most beautiful neighborhoods. This relaxed yet enriching walk blends nature, design, and history into an experience that reveals a Santa Monica most visitors never see. Activity Level: Easy to moderate — steady walking on mostly flat streets Bring: Comfortable walking shoes, sun protection, and water Age: Suitable for most guests ages 12+

Alley Kat Adventures is an Austin, TX-based event design company offering city scavenger hunts in 60 cities in the US and Mexico as well as custom events worldwide. Our specially hand-crafted, interactive quests are equal parts tour, cultural experience, creative challenge, detective hunt, & social experiment! Guests get to discover hidden gems off the beaten trail while completing fun missions! Find a cozy cocoon waiting just for you, discover some musical art installations, and people watch at a chess park.

Explore the vibrant coastal communities of Santa Monica and Venice Beach on this guided bike tour. Ride along the scenic Marvin Braude Bike Trail, taking in stunning ocean views and iconic landmarks like the Santa Monica Pier, Venice Skatepark, and the charming Venice Canals. Experience the unique culture and history of these famous beach towns while enjoying the fresh sea breeze. This tour offers a perfect mix of fun, outdoor activity, and local stories, making it an ideal choice for families and first-time visitors to LA. Highlights include Muscle Beach, Venice Art Walls, and local history insights.

Hey there, team players and adventure addicts! Are you ready to take your squad to the next level with the most epic, unforgettable, and downright awesome scavenger hunt in all of Santa Monica? Well, buckle up and get ready to have your minds blown, because this isn't just any old team-building activity – it's a full-throttle, no-limits, all-out quest for glory! First things first, let's talk about the location. Santa Monica isn't just a city – it's a state of mind. It's a place where the sun is always shining, the waves are always crashing, and the good vibes are always flowing. And with our scavenger hunt, you'll get to experience it all like never before. Imagine your team, divided into squads of unstoppable adventurers, racing through the streets of Santa Monica like a pack of wild animals (but like, the cute and cuddly kind, not the scary kind). You'll be solving clues, cracking codes, and taking on challenges that'll put your skills to the ultimate test.

Santa Monica is full of amazing views and panoramic vistas, which will make your photo shoot shine. During your 2-hour shoot, we’ll find the picture-perfect locations suited specifically to you. After the shoot, you’ll receive 50 professionally captured and edited photos for your use. Ideal for Instagrammers, bloggers and anyone who needs a great set of photos in California.

Experience Southern California’s iconic sights with this self-guided driving and walking audio tour bundle! Visit the star-studded Hollywood Celebrity Homes, explore famous filming locations in Los Angeles, wander through the unique landscapes of Joshua Tree and Death Valley, and discover the architectural beauty of Palm Springs. From the glitzy Rodeo Drive to the serene La Jolla Cove, this bundle offers an unforgettable road trip through California’s diverse attractions. Purchase one tour per car, not per person. Everyone listens together! After booking, you can check your email, then download the Action Tour Guide App, enter your unique password, and access your tour. The preceding steps require good internet/Wi-Fi access. Simply follow the audio instructions and the route from there. New, Lifetime access, no expiry. Use it anytime, on any trip, as many times as you want. This is not an entrance ticket to attractions along the route. Check opening hours before your visit.

Immerse yourself in the SoCal lifestyle—and learn the basics of surfing in an accessible, hands-on way—with private surfing lessons. Choose from multiple convenient class times, and meet your instructor right on the legendary Venice Beach. With personalized guidance, you’ll learn the basics on the beach before grabbing your board and trying out your skills in the waves.

Enjoy the coastal delights of Southern California on this electric mountain bike tour of Marina Del Rey to Hermosa Beach. Along the way you can take pictures, stop to check something out or take a breather. In Hermosa Beach, the group can relax and grab an optional bite to eat or drink while enjoying the beachside scene. Everything you need is included—a comfortable electric bike, helmet and bottled water.